Courts

• Once a suspect is charged, they are brought before the magistrates court, where they plead guilty or not guilty. Issues such as bail and legal aid are decided. Guilty pleas lead to a sentencing hearing and not guilty pleas lead to a trial being arranged.
• The Magistrates court deals with summary offences (95%) and some either way offences. The Crown court deals with indictable offences and more serious either way offences.